Daijiworld Media Network – Pollachi
Pollachi, Jul 12: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Sunday declared that his newly launched voluntary movement, "We the Leaders", will eventually transform into a political party, with the aim of ushering in what he described as "healthy politics" centred on public service and social transformation.
Addressing the movement's maiden conference in Pollachi near Coimbatore, Annamalai said there should be no ambiguity about its future political role.
"There need not be any doubt. This movement will become a political party," he said, adding that over 19 lakh people had joined the organisation within 38 days of its launch. He said the movement would consider entering electoral politics once its membership reaches 50 lakhs, and expressed confidence of seeking the people's mandate in the 2031 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The conference, themed around anti-drug awareness, also focused on issues such as women's empowerment, environmental protection and leadership development.
Clarifying that the event was not intended to target the ruling TVK government or any political leader, Annamalai said the objective was to create public awareness and encourage social responsibility.
"This rally is not to blame any political party or leader. Our responsibility is to create good leaders and inspire people to work for society," he said.
In a departure from his earlier criticism of the government, Annamalai said society should support elected representatives when they make mistakes instead of attempting to pull them down.
Referring to the newly elected ministers, he noted that many were first-time legislators who deserved an opportunity to learn and perform.
Annamalai reiterated that his movement would remain free from caste- and religion-based politics.
"I am a Hindu and proudly follow my faith. But when I step out of my house, I leave my caste and religion behind and stand before the people as an ordinary citizen. Religion belongs to an individual's private life and should not be used for political gain," he said.
He also questioned attempts to portray Tamil identity and Indian identity as opposing concepts, asserting that he remained both a proud Tamil and a proud Indian.
Expressing concern over the state's finances, Annamalai alleged that Tamil Nadu's debt burden would continue to rise, claiming that the government could borrow around Rs 85,000 crore this year and Rs 80,000 crore next year, taking total borrowings to nearly Rs 15 lakh crore by the end of its tenure.
He said service, social reform, women's development and leadership would form the core principles of "We The Leaders" and announced that the movement would undertake campaigns over the next six months on key public issues, including environmental protection and women's safety.
The conference adopted six resolutions aimed at combating drug abuse and alcohol addiction. Among them was a demand to stop the illegal sale of liquor and close liquor outlets operating near schools, colleges, places of worship and bus terminals.
Students attending the event also took an anti-drug pledge, while the slogan "Maaruvom Maatruvom" ("Let us change, let us transform") resonated throughout the gathering.
The Pollachi conference marked Annamalai's first major public event since stepping down as Tamil Nadu BJP president and signalled the beginning of what he described as a long-term political movement focused on governance, social reform and public participation.